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Kuya Bong backs medical specialty agencies’ establishment
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has recently expressed his full support for the establishment of the National Disease Prevention Management Authority, Medical Reserve Corps, and the Virology Institute of the Philippines. The measures were discussed during the Third Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council meeting after the senator attended the groundbreaking for the Super Health Center in San Mateo, Rizal. When asked about the progress of these initiatives, Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health stressed his full support and is optimistic that these will be approved this year. Go clarified that the NDPMA is essentially the same as the previously named Center for Disease Control and Prevention bill as he reiterated the importance of being prepared for possible future pandemics, citing the country’s experience with Covid-19. He recalled how the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine became a crucial office for Covid-19 testing, despite almost losing its funding during the 2019 budget deliberations. “In 2019, before the pandemic came, the budget for the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine was almost cut. We did not agree. In fact, we increased them during the budget deliberations,” Go said. “My hunch was right, who would have thought that RITM would be one of the most important offices during the pandemic? RITM is also capable of testing other infectious diseases besides Covid-19,” he added. He concluded by saying that he supports these initiatives that will benefit Filipinos, the healthcare system, and the less fortunate. To recall, the senator has filed his own versions of these measures in the Senate — Senate Bill 195 or the creation of a Center for Disease Control and if passed, the CDC will serve as the country’s central hub for disease prevention, surveillance and control, focusing on both infectious and non-communicable diseases. The post Kuya Bong backs medical specialty agencies’ establishment appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Dapat maging mas handa tayo’ — Bong Go backs healthcare-related bills
Senator Christopher "Bong" Go expressed in an interview on Thursday, September 21, after attending the groundbreaking for the Super Health Center in San Mateo, Rizal, his full support for the establishment of the National Disease Prevention Management Authority, Medical Reserve Corps, and the Virology Institute of the Philippines. The measures were discussed during the third Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) meeting. When asked about the progress of these initiatives, Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, responded, "As chair po ng Senate Committee on Health, full support po ako dito." “Nasa subcommittee ang mga bills na ito na pinangungunahan ni Senator Pia Cayetano. Nakapag-hearing na ito at isa ako sa mga nagfile ng bills. Hopefully, maipasa ito ngayong taon,” said Go. "Priority rin ang mga ito ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos, nabanggit din ito sa LEDAC, so suportado ko ito," he added. Go clarified that the NDPMA is essentially the same as the previously named Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) bill. “Unang-una, napaloob po ito sa Philippine Development Plan po ng ating Pangulong Marcos. Itong paggagawa ng Center for Disease Control and Prevention, or ibahin man po, maging National Disease Management Prevention Authority ay suportado ko po ito," added Go. The senator emphasized the importance of being prepared for possible future pandemics, citing the country's experience with COVID-19. "Mas mabuti pong lagi tayong handa; meron tayong opisina na nakatutok po kung saka-sakaling may dumating na pandemya po sa buhay natin," he said. He recalled how the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) became a crucial office for COVID-19 testing, despite almost losing its funding during the 2019 budget deliberations. “Noong 2019 naman bago dumating ang pandemya ay muntik ding binawasan ang budget para sa Research Institute for Tropical Medicine. Hindi po tayo pumayag. In fact, dinagdagan pa natin sila noong budget deliberations. Tama nga ang kutob ko, sino ba ang mag-aakala na ang RITM ang magiging isa sa pinakaimportanteng opisina sa panahon ng pandemya? Ang RITM din ang may kakayahan na mag-test ng iba pang nakahahawang sakit bukod sa COVID-19,” Go shared. He concluded by saying that he supports these initiatives that will benefit Filipinos, the healthcare system, and the less fortunate. "Bagama't isang boto lang po ako, ay suportado ko po ang mga ito." The senator has filed his own versions of these measures in the Senate. Go has filed Senate Bill No. 195 or the creation of a Center for Disease Control (CDC). If passed into law, CDC will serve as the country's central hub for disease prevention, surveillance, and control, focusing on both infectious and non-communicable diseases. Another key legislative measure from Go is SBN 196, which seeks to establish a Virology Science and Technology Institute. The institute is envisioned as a center for virology that will enhance the country's capacity to study, detect, and combat emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases. He also filed SBN 1180 which seeks to establish a Medical Reserve Corps composed of individuals who have degrees in health-related fields but have yet to obtain professional licenses. The Medical Reserve Corps may be called upon to assist the national government and the local government units in their functions related to addressing the medical needs of the public in times of national emergencies. The post ‘Dapat maging mas handa tayo’ — Bong Go backs healthcare-related bills appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DHSUD backs ‘Pambansang Pabahay’ enhancement
The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development announced on Monday that it is open to suggestions to further enhance the Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Housing Program, which aims to address the decades-old housing backlog in the country. DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar said that they are willing to listen to recommendations from all stakeholders, particularly lawmakers, on how to improve the program. “President Bongbong Marcos Jr. and the entire government are doing everything to solve the decades-old housing problem. The 4PH is our solution, because it is a new concept and a big difference from the previous housing programs, and it can still be improved so we welcome all recommendations,” Acuzar said. The DHSUD is now rolling out the 4PH nationwide, which aims to address the country’s housing need of more than 6.5 million units that have accumulated over the years. “Our doors are open at the DHSUD and we are ready to listen and work with everyone to help our countrymen who dream of having their own decent and affordable home,” Acuzar said. Unlike previous government housing programs that heavily depended on the national budget, the DHSUD is tapping private funds and investible funds from government financial institutions in the implementation of 4PH. Under the 4PH, private developers and contractors would be given access to developmental loans to jumpstart housing projects. Upon completion and turnover to beneficiaries, the government would provide interest support of up to 5 percent to keep the monthly amortization affordable to the beneficiaries. The post DHSUD backs ‘Pambansang Pabahay’ enhancement appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
P20/kilo rice aspiration
Agriculture Undersecretary Leocadio Sebastian made a clear admission that reducing the price of rice to P20 a kilo is not possible, but only to a lower price that is affordable. Grilled by House Deputy Minority Leader Mujiv Hataman during the deliberations on the Department of Agriculture’s 2024 budget early last week, Sebastian said, “To be honest, we [have] never discussed those things… with the President.” For ordinary Juans, the idea of cheap rice is enticing and an answered prayer but achieving the goal more than a year after it was promised is a challenge that even agriculture officials themselves find unachievable. DA Undersecretary for Policy, Planning and Regulations Mercedita Sombilla was quoted as saying, “Next two years? Baka mahirap po (It might be difficult).” Even retired University of the Philippines crop science professor, Dr. Teodoro Mendoza, shared the sentiment that the P20 per kilo rice isn’t possible “unless the government subsidizes 55 percent of the market price” given current pricey agricultural inputs. All told, officials of the Department of Agriculture defending the DA’s proposed budget of P167.5 billion for 2024, after being questioned and seared, acknowledged that fulfilling President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s campaign promise to reduce the price of rice to P20 per kilo would be improbable within the next two years. Mind you, reducing rice prices is included in the roadmap but not to P20 per kilo. There is no doubt that nothing tangible backs up the P20/kilo of rice goal. It was never tackled in the DA’s meetings with the President, therefore, there is no plan to trim rice prices. In fact, local commercial rice is sold at P54-P62 per kilo for special quality, P47-P60/kilo for premium quality, P46-P57/kilo for well-milled, and P41-P55/kilo for regular milled. Imported commercial rice is priced at P52-P65/kilo for special quality, P47-P57/kilo for premium quality, and P46/kilo for well-milled. Equally concerning is the fact that the department cannot say when the price will stabilize. The P20 per kilo rice is an “aspiration” of the DA, so says Undersecretary Sebastian. Noble as it may seem, he said the DA would like to make sure farmers will benefit from any agricultural development and have a good income, but cannot provide an assurance on alleviating consumers’ financial burden. Until that P20/kilo aspiration, which often represents an idealized version of the government’s desire and ambition, becomes a powerful driving force that will motivate the agriculture department to work hard and strive for success, arresting the soaring price of the Filipino staple will continue to drag on forever. Here is an instance where aspiration does not fully match the reality that 110 million Filipinos face; when aspiration clashes with reality leading to disappointment, frustration, and a sense of unfulfilled potential. Whatever the litany of reasons our officials present for the sorry state of the rice sector, it is important to strike a balance between aspiration and reality. While it is essential to have dreams and goals that inspire and motivate us, it is also crucial to maintain a realistic perspective. It may involve acknowledging the challenges and limitations of the real world, adapting to changing circumstances, and making necessary adjustments to our aspirations when needed. “I don’t know” is a lame excuse, and so are “I cannot answer that” and “We have not figured it out.” What is important to Filipinos, for now, is to at least feel that our elected and appointed officials explore factors such as market dynamics, production costs, and policy challenges that will realize the aspiration while striving for a sustainable and equitable agricultural system that supports both farmers and consumers. We cannot afford to see more than 10.4 percent, or a third, of Filipino families experiencing involuntary hunger at least once in the past three months, in the next Social Weather Stations survey. It’s not too much to ask from officials entrusted with the country’s future and the welfare of Filipinos. The post P20/kilo rice aspiration appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
House backs hike in DND spending
The House of Representatives is keen on giving the Department of National Defense a big chunk of the proposed P5.768-trillion 2024 budget amid the ongoing escalation of geopolitical dispute in the West Philippine Sea. While the deliberations on 2024 have yet to start, Speaker Martin Romualdez vowed on Tuesday that the House would surely back the DND’s increased spending for next year to further bolster the agency’s capabilities in protecting and upholding Philippine sovereignty. Under the proposed 2024 budget, the allocation for the defense sector is P282.7 billion, or 21.6 percent more compared to the P203.4 billion funding under this year’s budget. “Our commitment to safeguarding our territorial integrity and ensuring the safety of our citizens remains unwavering,” Romualdez said. “As a nation, we must take proactive measures to enhance our defense capabilities and ensure that we have the necessary resources to effectively protect our sovereign rights,” he added. The House chief’s remark was an offshoot of China’s most-recent harassment against Philippine vessels in which the Chinese Coast Guard fired water cannon at a resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea. The continued encroachment of China in the country’s maritime territory warrants a bigger budget for the defense sector, which the House will back. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., in his budget message to Congress, disclosed that the P282.7 billion of the Executive Department’s allocation for DND would support the Land, Air, and Naval Forces Defense Programs, totaling P188.5 billion, as well as the UN Peacekeeping Mission, among others, to ensure domestic security. “This allocation demonstrates our dedication to maintaining a strong and credible defense posture, one that sends a clear message that we will not compromise when it comes to safeguarding our national interests,” Romualdez echoed. A robust defense, he said, is not merely a tool for confrontation but a means to uphold peace, stability, and the rule of law. “By prioritizing our defense sector in the budget, we are making a commitment to our people, to our allies, and to the international community that reflects our unwavering resolve to protect our sovereignty and promote regional stability,” the Speaker added. With Beijing’s constant encroachment, a resolution, which would “effectively shrink” the Philippines’ ties with Beijing, is set to be filed at the House of Representatives, according to lawyer-lawmaker Rufus Rodriguez. The post House backs hike in DND spending appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Go backs ‘Build, Better, More’
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go is optimistic that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr.’s “Build, Better, More” infrastructure program can further enhance the country’s development towards full and inclusive economic recovery. The president recently laid down his administration’s key priorities and policy directions during his second State of the Nation Address last Monday at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City. One of the central pillars of his vision for the nation’s progress is infrastructure development, which seeks to build upon the foundation laid by former president Rodrigo Duterte’s “Build, Build, Build” program. In an interview after the SoNA, Go expressed his hopes in President Marcos’ commitment to advancing infrastructure development. He emphasized that sustaining and expanding the program would not only drive economic growth but also create more job opportunities for the Filipino workforce. According to Go, the continuation of the BBB program under the Marcos administration now known as the BBM Program, holds great promise for the country’s future, underscoring that the government is paving the way for increased economic efficiency and sustainable development. To finance high-priority projects without incurring additional debt, President Marcos said in his SoNA that the government has established the Maharlika Investment Fund, saying, “In pooling a small fraction of the considerable but underutilized government funds, the Fund shall be used to make high-impact and profitable investments, such as the Build-Better-More program. The gains from the Fund shall be reinvested into the country’s economic well-being.” Go, for his part, emphasized the need to ensure that no public fund is wasted and must be accounted for to benefit the Filipino people. In his second SoNA, President Marcos Jr. assured the Filipino people that infrastructure development would remain a top priority throughout his term. The President mentioned that the heart of the BBM Program lies in its eight-point plan, covering investments in physical connectivity, water resources, agriculture, health, digital connectivity, and energy. A significant portion, 83 percent, of the program’s budget is allocated to physical connectivity infrastructure, including roads, bridges, seaports, airports and mass transport. The post Go backs ‘Build, Better, More’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Go fully backs DOH 2023 budget
There is a need to further strengthen the country’s health care system to better meet the needs of the Filipino people......»»
Pangandaman backs Marcos campaign for prudent fiscal management
MANILA - Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah Pangandaman on Monday expressed support on the campaign of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. towards achieving prudent fiscal management and bureaucratic efficiency, as outlined in his first State of the Nation Address (SONA)......»»
CEB backs use of contact tracing app in airports
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NBI nabs 8 bogus DBM officials
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India backs Philippines in dispute with China
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India backs Philippines in sea dispute with China
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P1.1 billion released to restore heritage school buildings
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Low subsidy forces LRTA to cut budget for train rehab
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China blocks use of Intel and AMD chips in government computers – report
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Teen centers in Cebu City pushed amid rising teen pregnancy cases
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DBM releases P1.3 billion to light up public schools
The Department of Budget and Management has released nearly P1.3 billion for the electrification of public schools nationwide......»»
Liam Cunningham and Benedict Wong are the duo to watch in Netflix’s ‘3 Body Problem’
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Budget surplus unlikely to last – Recto
The record budget surplus in January is unlikely to be sustained over the coming months, more so for the rest of the year, but the government is not worried so long as revenue targets are achieved, according to Finance Secretary Ralph Recto......»»
Budget-Friendly Date Night Ideas to Enjoy
Dates can be a bit expensive, but they’re also important for keeping a strong and healthy relationship. Be it with a significant other or with your family — dates can give you opportunities to create meaningful connections and fun memories. However, dates don’t have to break the bank, dates can be fun and inexpensive, you […].....»»